Comparing Politeness
A Comorian student annoyed by French politeness
The Experience
“Where I come from, when you ask for something or when you thank someone, politeness is implicit. When I say ” pass me this glass” it’s understood that I’m saying “please” and that I respect you, otherwise I wouldn’t be having a drink with you… The French say I’m rude when I say ” pass me this glass” without adding please behind. But the ones I find really rude here are the kids! The other day, my niece who’s growing up in France, replied “leave me alone” when I tried to talk to her, and another time, she took the remote control and changed the channel without asking me. I find this really rude!”
![EIC-politesse-relative verre de vin blanc sur table d'apéritif](https://telluscultures.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/EIC-politesse-relative-pkm8e37e2fo6jql6tlvo2cqn1xb6q6yag2ldeq1uhs.jpg)
Who's Telling the Story?
Navigateur solidaire is a Comorian student in education at the University Paris 8 and poet. He has been living in France since 2009.
Place : Sartrouville, France
Date : 2016
What do You Think?
![pictogramme d'ampoule](https://telluscultures.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ampoule2.png)
Have you ever been shocked by standards of politeness that seemed disrespectful to you?
This intercultural experience questions you?
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